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(THE GIST OF PIB) Lavender Cultivation

(APRIL-2024)

According to officials, more than 700 acres of farmland has been brought under lavender cultivation in the Jammu and Kashmir area since 2017, and another 100 acres is set to be added.

It is a crop native to Europe but was introduced in the temperate regions of Jammu & Kashmir state by the CSIR Aroma Mission.
It is a small, perennial aromatic herb shrub used in the fragrance, specialty food, and alternative medicine industries.
Propagation of lavender can be done by seeds, rooted cuttings, tissue culture, and layering.

Soil: It can grow well in light well-aerated soil rich with organic matter. It grows best in neutral to alkaline soil which is free draining. This crop is very sensitive to waterlogging however can go well with poor or eroded soil.
Rainfall: It can produce well with an annual rainfall range from 300 to 1400 mm per year.
Climate: It is a hard and temperate plant that can tolerate drought and frost conditions. The ideal climatic conditions are cool winters and cool summers. It requires a good amount of sunlight.
It can be grown in areas that experience snowfall and have a hilly terrain.